Snow Near Sydney.

[John Sheridan]

I would not mind doing some camping in some snow, but where near Sydney does it snow, I think Lithgow maybe, I am not looking for meter deep snow, just some snow on the ground and snow falling, I would like to experience that, I think my Gatewood tarp can handel that, as long as there are no Blizzards.

I will have to get me some thermals though


Cheers.

[Moondog55]

Trouble with Australian snow is that the snowfall is often if not always associated with strong cold winds.
My personal experience ( a lot ) tells me there is not tarp on the market suitable for an Australian winter when snow is added to the mix, unless it is a tipi style.
Snowy Mountains is the best prospect for real snow but the occasional is so unpredictable I hate to venture an opinion for NSW

[johnw]

I would not mind doing some camping in some snow, but where near Sydney does it snow, I think Lithgow maybe, I am not looking for meter deep snow, just some snow on the ground and snow falling, I would like to experience that, I think my Gatewood tarp can handel that, as long as there are no Blizzards.

I will have to get me some thermals though


Cheers.

Me too! Unfortunately there is no reliable snow near Sydney that I'm aware of. Sure, Lithgow and parts of the upper mountains do get an occasional dusting but it is short lived, generally no more than a day or so. Usually featured on TV news reports when it happens because it is so rare. I've occasionally attempted to time visits when possible snow has been forecast, but haven't been unsuccessful to date. Your only safe bet is the NSW/ACT alpine areas, which are not exactly close to Sydney. Snow or not you would be wise to buy the thermals. My experience of camping in the Blueys in winter is that it gets *&%$#! cold, especially when the wind picks up .

[Bluegum Mic]

Gday John

Oberon is often a good bet if the forecast is right and as you say lithgow. I've seen a decent accumulation out near cullen bullen once (ie enough to have a ski on a hill).

If it were me I would avoid the snowies with your gatwood as the weather would be too full on in winter and you'd require a whole lotta gear for that kind of expedition. Mind you spring in good weather could be ok if you picked your timing and location.

Just keep a good watch on the 540 line and if its forecast to be up in the northern central ranges of NSW then pack your cape n giddyup the blue mountains (with your thermals and all your downy goodness).

[forest]

Barrington tops could be an option ??

Reasonably close to Sydney. Well reported on the news if it does snow.
Late June, July, August is normally a good bet for snow.

Some good sheltered campsites and there are some good walking options on the forest roads that get closed to 4x4's in winter. So it's just walkers in there (And the odd brumbie)

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/show ... ngton+tops

[WarrenH]

This data might be a benefit, towards planning a time to consider the Barrington Tops.

Courtesy of Mr Grant Burgess on the weatherzone°forum ... http://raymondterrace.hunterweather.com ... onTops.htm

Warren.

[tele-whippet]

Your best bet for "local" snow would be Shooters Hill near Black Springs via Oberon. Its where the Sydney snowchasers go and can get relatively deep and stay on the ground a few days, sometimes longer.
Its best to keep an eye on big winter storm systems and drive there before they arrive, set up and wait.
I've lived in the Blackheath/Mt Vic area for about 30 years and really, the snow events are fairly minor, a few cm's that may last a day on the ground and certainly getting less frequent now than a few decades ago.
Lithgow gets even less snow than the Blue Mtns though further west around Mt Lambie there can be decent falls.
The Brindabellas are probably just as close time wise to get to from Sydney, with much more reliable and decent snow.
Happy snow hunting.

[John Sheridan]

Any snow yet, my Snow Mobile is on standbye

Cheers.

[sailfish]

Most years see some snow on the Central Tablelands, July and August being the most likely. Can occur from Lithgow through to Orange but it varies greatly and usually does not last long so you would have to be ready to drop everything and go on the basis of forecasts. If there is snow the Hwy will likely be closed. The divided runs through Mount Lambie and possible areas for a camp would be Newns, Ben Bullen range, Kanangra or other high country around Oberon, Black springs, Shooters Hill and Porters Retreat. A lot of these area are Forestry. Most places officially record -8 min but expect localized areas can be well below that. The Central West Bush Walking Club could possibly help you out http://www.centralwestbushwalking.org.au/

Regards,
Ken

[Rob A]

This one might be worth keeping an eye on Weatherzone Barrington or Willyweather B Tops before flicking over to the BOM site. Bit dry at the moment. Cold WNW though, wheres the 'effin freezin' smilie?

[slparker]

Not trying to be a smartass but I've snow camped for three nights without a tent in the oz alps, two under a tarp and one under an igloo.. Perfectly safe if you build a wall with ice blocks. So John, by all means take your tarp... So long as you have the wind catered for.

[sailfish]

After 32 years in Bathurst, I'd say if you see a forecast for snow to 800m, it's a good bet for a decent fall in the high country along the divide. Forecast to 1000m could go either way.

Regards,
Ken

[John Sheridan]

I think it would be cool if the Blue Mountains got a meter or two of snow, nice skiing

It might happen with Global Cooling.

Cheers.

[sailfish]

BOM forecast Central Tableands.

Thursday 9 AugustPartly cloudy. The chance of showers until late afternoon, falling as snow above 800 metres from the late morning until late afternoon. Winds westerly 20 to 30 km/h turning southwesterly 25 to 40 km/h during the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 2 and 7 with daytime temperatures reaching between 7 and 15.
Friday 10 AugustPartly cloudy. Areas of frost early in the morning. The chance of showers in the late morning and afternoon, falling as snow above 900 metres. Winds south to southwesterly 30 to 45 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between minus 2 and 3 above zero with daytime temperatures reaching between 8 and 14.

[johnw]

Might be time to get your gear ready, I think they also had some snow today?
Wouldn't mind going up for a look myself but probably won't have time.

http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/katoomba.shtml
Katoomba
Saturday 18 August

Min 2 Max 10 Early snow. Morning showers. Wind easing.

Cloudy. A shower or two in the morning, falling as snow at times. Winds northwest to southwesterly 40 to 60 km/h becoming southwesterly 30 to 40 km/h in the middle of the day then tending westerly 30 to 35 km/h in the late afternoon.

[Lotsafreshair]

I was at Mt Solitary yesterday and it was freezing. No snow as such, but lots of clouds that had that purpley snow cloud look to them. But looking across to Kanangra, it looked as it was getting blanketed in the stuff. Would be interesting to hear from anyone who was out that way.